At least 13 people were killed and six injured in a blast at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district.

Preliminary reports suggest that the explosion occurred at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kattanarpatti village in the district. The fire has now been brought under control.

Six injured individuals were taken to a nearby hospital, and authorities said that a rescue operation is currently underway.

Visuals from the site showed anxious locals gathered near the blast area, while fire department officials continued clearing the debris.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condoled the deaths and instructed authorities to provide necessary assistance to the victims.

“My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” he posted on X. He also requested the state ministers KKSSR Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to reach the village and monitor the rescue operations.

Virudhunagar, a major hub for the manufacturing of firecrackers, has seen several fire mishaps in the last few years.

On April 13, a massive explosion occurred at an Excel fireworks factory in Madathupatti near Sattur in Virudhunagar district.

On 17 February 2024, a fire broke out after an explosion at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district, killing ten people and injuring more than seven others. On 29 June 2024, a separate explosion at another firecracker unit resulted in four deaths and left one person injured.

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